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Washington — The wife of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 29-year-old U.S. citizen mistakenly deported to El Salvador, expressed deep concern for his safety while he is incarcerated in the notorious CECOT maximum-security prison. She described her husband as “an amazing father” and emphasized that he is “not a criminal.”
Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador on March 15 during a series of deportation flights organized by the Trump administration, which has sparked a significant legal dispute in U.S. courts. The government admitted in federal court that his deportation was due to an “administrative error,” noting that an immigration judge had previously granted him legal protection against deportation due to the risk of gang-related persecution in his home country. Despite this acknowledgment, authorities have declined to facilitate his return, claiming they no longer retain custody of him, while also alleging his affiliation with the MS-13 gang, a claim his legal representation denies, asserting he has no criminal record.
In a recent interview with CBS News, Jennifer, who asked to keep her last name confidential, recounted her emotional reaction upon realizing her husband was deported and imprisoned, having identified him in a photo released by the Salvadoran government. “When I saw it, I immediately broke down because I knew it was him,” she said, expressing fears for his life.
Jennifer described her anxiety regarding Abrego Garcia’s placement in the CECOT prison, known for housing violent gang members. She reiterated that the original ruling by the U.S. immigration judge in 2019 was a recognition of the potential dangers he could face from gangs if returned to El Salvador.
Abrego Garcia immigrated to the United States in 2011 at the age of 16, entering the country without inspection. His troubles with immigration authorities began in 2019 when he was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after a routine police encounter outside a Home Depot in Maryland, where he was reportedly seeking employment. During his months in detention, an immigration judge granted him “withholding of removal,” acknowledging that he would likely face persecution if deported.
After his release, Abrego Garcia adhered to ICE’s requirements, regularly checking in while providing for his family, which includes a 5-year-old disabled son and two other children. He managed to balance his job as a sheet metal worker with college courses. However, on March 12, he was arrested again by ICE while driving with his son. Jennifer indicated that ICE officials informed her that her husband’s status had changed, leading to his subsequent detention.
Following several transfers between detention facilities, Abrego Garcia communicated to Jennifer that he was to be deported to El Salvador. She noted her disbelief at the situation, emphasizing that he had done nothing to warrant such drastic action. Their last conversation left her waiting in uncertainty, as he did not call back as he suggested he might.
Since being moved to El Salvador, Jennifer has lost all contact with her husband. She is currently pursuing legal action against the government in federal court in Maryland, seeking to compel U.S. authorities to take measures for his return. While it has acknowledged the deportation mishap, the administration maintains a defense of the decision to deport him and has expressed opposition to his return.
The Justice Department has contended that federal courts lack the jurisdiction to mandate Abrego Garcia’s repatriation, citing that he is under the custody of the Salvadoran government. It also posited that there has been no indication that Salvadoran authorities would consider a U.S. request for his release.
Trump administration officials have labeled Abrego Garcia as a leader within MS-13 and implicated him in human trafficking, though no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims. In contrast, Jennifer vehemently denied these allegations, maintaining that she would be aware of any criminal associations involving her husband. According to court records, while Abrego Garcia has minor traffic violations, he has no significant criminal charges or convictions.
“He’s not a criminal,” Jennifer asserted. “My husband is an amazing person. An amazing father.”
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